STAFF at an Eston gym were left stunned by thieves who stole... their security camera!

The camera was installed by Bodytalk Health and Fitness Club outside its Eston premises after problems with vandalism and gangs of youths.

Joe Hughes, of Bodytalk, said: "Youths have regularly come into the gym and spat on the floor or tried to get onto the equipment. They reduced one receptionist to tears."

He added: "Bins outside are regularly set on fire, cars broken into and tyres slashed."

As a result, he said the gym's owner Mark Shuttleworth decided to fork out £500 for a security camera to be installed outside the club.

But staff were stunned to discover the camera was taken by weekend thieves.

Mr Hughes said: "The camera had a cage around it.

"A hole had been cut into the cage, the wires to the camera were cut and masking tape put over the cut wires."

He said the camera was positioned 20ft from the ground, making it tricky to reach. "We're livid, as it not only helped us monitor the street for gym users, but also for shoppers visiting Eston."

The firm has now written to Cleveland Police, Redcar and Cleveland Council and Redcar MP Vera Baird, outlining the problems of vandalism and youths "harassing" its staff and calling for help to replace the camera and improve security in the area.

Dave McLuckie, the council's lead community safety member, said: "The council prepared a number of bids for CCTV to the Home Office, backed with information from police with regard to anti-social behaviour and crime.

"The Government approved bids for Saltburn, Guisborough, Loftus and Marske, but did not approve the bid for Eston as it did not meet their criteria."

But he added: "The council sees Eston as a high priority and has invested considerable sums in the area. It was the first area we placed community safety wardens. The council maintains its resolve to assist the people of Eston, but it must be remembered that CCTV funding is based on decisions made by the Home Office, not the council."

Cllr McLuckie added they intend to place a future bid for CCTV in Eston at the "earliest opportunity".

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said they are aware of the problems and ask anyone with information to contact them on 01642 301926.